Jam Pail Bonspiel

kids curling at the Jam Pail Bonspiel

The Jam Pail Bonspiel was created 60 years ago to provide an exciting recreational activity for Medicine Hat's school-aged children. The event is FREE and takes place during February winter break.

Still accepting open/family registrations!

Register now

Spots still available in the open/family category. Final registration ends Sunday, February 16.

2025 marks the 60th anniversary of the Jam Pail Bonspiel in our community! The two-day bonspiel, which teaches the basic concept of curling, sees the ice at the Kinplex Arena converted into 13 curling rinks. 

Originally a school-aged event, Jam Pail Bonspiel has grown over the years, now incorporating three registration categories: Grades 3-4, Grades 5-6, and Open/All Ages. Students in grades 3 and 4 compete against each other on Wednesday evening, while students in grade 5 and 6 go head to head on Thursday. The Open category was added to the lineup 10 years ago to allow participants of all ages to compete in Jam Pail curling, and it is now one of our most popular family activities. This year the open category is available on both Wednesday and Thursday evening. 

The Jam Pail Bonspiel is all about participation and fun. Every participant gets a ribbon – from First Place to Eighth Place in each pool.

Who can play?

School-aged teams are made up of four players (in either Grade 3/4 or Grade 5/6) and a designated adult supervisor (must have a minimum of three players to participate). Players do not have to be from the same school.

Open/all ages teams are made up of four players and must have at least one adult player. This is your chance to play as a family! Teams of all adults are also accepted.
What should I wear?
Warm winter clothing that you can easily move in is recommended, including gloves. Heavy boots and dirty footwear can damage the ice. We ask participants to wear indoor footwear on the ice to help keep the playing surface clean.
 What are the rules?
Teams consist of four players and can be boys, girls or mixed teams.
  1. Participants do not have to be from the same school.
  2. All teams must have a designated supervisor (age 16 or older) who is responsible for the team on and off the ice. The supervisor will be responsible for the following:
    • ensuring the entry forms are completed and signed
    • assisting students with the process of Jam Pail curling
    • keeping score during the games (all supervisors will be given training in scorekeeping 15 minutes prior to the first game in the marshalling area)
  3. A game consists of five ends, or a maximum of 30 minutes.
  4. Each team will play three games.
  5. Players can bring their own brooms, but brooms are not required in order to play (and are not supplied).
  6. All teams must sign in at the rink 15 minutes before each of their scheduled games.
  7. All teams must have a minimum of three players to qualify for each game.

Dates and location

GradesDateTimeLocation
3, 4, Open/All ages Wednesday, February 19 5:00 p.m. Kinplex 1
2055 21 Avenue SE
5, 6, Open/All ages Thursday, February 20 5:00 p.m. Kinplex 1
2055 21 Avenue SE